15 Day Magnificent Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest

APT River Cruise starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Budapest

Read 29 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Magnificent Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest. On APT's 15 Day Magnificent Europe cruise, glide from Amsterdam through five countries to Budapest. Stop to take in the iconic attractions and charming secrets of Europe's...read more heartland as you cruise down the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

15 Day Magnificent Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest

APT River Cruise starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Budapest

Read 29 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Magnificent Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest. On APT's 15 Day Magnificent Europe cruise, glide from Amsterdam through five countries to Budapest. Stop to take in the iconic attractions and charming secrets of Europe's...read more heartland as you cruise down the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Amsterdam

Cologne, Bonn, Andernach

Be joined by a local guide for a tour around the historic city of Cologne or travel to Bonn for a tour. Later, explore Namedy Castle, before sitting down to a lavish banquet held in the ballroom. (B/L/D)

Melk, Dürnstein

Tour Melk Abbey, one of the world's most famous monastic sites, or enjoy a walking tour through the town. Then, either ride a bicycle or cruise to Dürnstein. (B/L/D)

12

Vienna

Soak up the elegance of the city during a guided tour. See the exquisite Hofburg Palace, St Stephen's Cathedral and much more. After dinner, head to the City Palace and attend an exclusive Cocktail Reception and a private concert featuring members of the Mozart Boys' Choir. (B/L/D)

13

Vienna

Perhaps tour Schönbrunn Palace, join an excursion to Bratislava or visit the Spanish Riding School to see the Lipizzan horses. (B/L/D)

14

Budapest

Join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Among many highlights, you'll see Heroes' Square and the superb Fisherman's Bastion. This evening, set off on a twilight cruise. (B/L/D)

15

Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest

Disembark and transfer to the airport. (B)

Day By Day

1

Arrive Amsterdam, Embark Ship

Be met on arrival and transfer to your ship. Stay 14 Nights: a Concerto River Ship (D)

2

Amsterdam

Perhaps admire Amsterdam's canals from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th-century homes, churches and merchant houses. Or visit Zaanse Schans, a lovely village famous for its traditional Dutch houses, windmills and specialty produce. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxing morning sailing down the Rhine, while a local baker conducts a 'stroopwafel' demonstration. Alternatively, on select spring departures, take the opportunity to visit the stunning Keukenhof Gardens.

3

Cologne, Bonn, Andernach

Enter Germany and cruise into Cologne, a city centred around the twin spires of its famous cathedral. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

Take a tour through the historic city centre, or sample local beers and snacks on a walking tour. Alternatively, embark on a bike ride to see City Hall and the remains from Roman times and the Middle Ages.

Signature Experiences:

Later, rejoin your ship in Bonn and cruise to Andernach for an exclusive visit to Namedy Castle. This 14th-century residence is home to Princess Heide von Hohenzollern who has opened the doors of her castle just for you. Enjoy some free time to wander about the castle's rooms, hidden nooks and grounds, then savour dinner in the ballroom, accompanied by a classical piano recital.

4

Rüdesheim

Approach the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River today, where crumbling ruins cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides are marked with perfectly planted vineyards. Dock in Rudesheim and later, enjoy dinner on board. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

Perhaps tour Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to the world's most beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments. Alternatively, sample wines from the Rhine Valley during an onboard tasting.

5

Miltenberg

Witness the skilful art of glass-blowing on board as you cruise towards the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg this morning. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

Perhaps stroll along the winding cobblestone lanes, explore quaint half-timbered shops, mingle with friendly residents and sample some delicious local fare along the way. Alternatively, acquaint yourself with the German language during an interactive lesson on board your ship. Otherwise be guided through a picturesque Franconian vineyard as you learn about the specialty wines of the region during a hike.

6

Würzburg

Choose your preferred sightseeing. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

The immense architectural beauty of Wurzburg is on show today as you walk to the Wurzburg Residence, an 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Wurzburg. Inside, marvel at intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. If you prefer, take a journey along the Romantic Road to the marvellous medieval town of Rothenburg where you'll stop for a tour. Otherwise, visit a family-owned farm, where you'll tour the property before sitting down to morning tea as you learn about local farming life.

7

Bamberg

This morning your ship will arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another of the few German cities that wasn't destroyed during World War II. Here you will explore the Old Town with a guide to discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the River Regnitz. Following your tour, rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas and is recognised as a feat of modern engineering. (B/L/D)

8

Nuremberg

Choose your sightseeing, then back on board, sample some delicious freshly baked gingerbread while cruising the Main-Danube Canal. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

A historic tour takes you to a selection of World War II sites, such as the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler's infamous rallies. Discover medieval architecture, including the medieval ramparts that surround the city. Alternatively, walk in the footsteps of Swedish King Gustavus-Adolphus, with a hike through the Schwarzach Valley.

9

Regensburg

Select your preferred activity. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

On a guided walking tour taking in the city's highlights, see such sites as the iconic Old Town Hall and the World Heritage-listed city centre. Alternatively, learn how to polka during a fun Bavarian dance lesson. Another option is a gourmet walking tour, where you will discover culinary secrets of past centuries. Then, gain an insight into the art of haute cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Storstad, where you will enjoy a presentation and the chance to sample a variety of delights. Or perhaps hear an informative talk on board from a student of the University of Regensburg.

10

Passau, Salzburg, Linz

Enjoy a day on the incredible Majestic Imperator. (B/D)

Signature Experiences:

Today, an exquisite private rail journey aboard the Majestic Imperator reveals the legacy of the once powerful Habsburg Empire as you travel from Passau to Linz. On board your privately chartered train, relax amid luxurious surrounds and savour refreshments while you wind your way through graceful alpine countryside. Disembark in Salzburg where a city tour includes some of the sights from the classic film, The Sound of Music. Re-board the Majestic Imperator and be entertained by live music en route to Linz.

11

Melk, Dürnstein

Cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region today to Melk and choose your sightseeing. Later in Durnstein, roam the village's cobblestone lanes at your leisure and perhaps view the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. On select autumn departures, perhaps participate in some vineyard work at a local winery as part of the wine harvest season. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

Disembark in Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world's most famous monastic sites. Or join a local guide for a tour of the town. You may then choose to ride a bike along the banks of the Danube River from Melk to Durnstein, or rejoin your ship and cruise to Durnstein instead.

12

Vienna

Today arrive in Vienna, Austria's capital and home to an array of striking architecture as well as a rich classical music culture and vibrant cafes. Take in many of the city's most important landmarks during a tour along the Ringstrasse, Vienna's famous ring boulevard officially opened by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1865. You'll also enjoy a guided walk to the glorious St Stephen's Cathedral. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

Tonight, your third Royal Signature Experience awaits at the princely family of Liechtenstein's City Palace in the heart of Vienna. Attend an exclusive Cocktail Reception and a private concert featuring a full orchestra performing classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss, as well as an operatic recital. You will also be entertained by members of the Mozart Boys' Choir.

13

Vienna

You have a choice of exciting activities to choose from on your second day in Vienna. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

Perhaps tour Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family. Wander through its lush, manicured gardens and marvel at sculptures representing deities and virtues. Alternatively, join an excursion to Bratislava, the diverse capital of nearby Slovakia. Its mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist-era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. Another option is to visit the Spanish Riding School to witness the beautiful Lipizzan horses during a morning practice session.

14

Budapest

Choose your sightseeing in Budapest. Later, sit down to the Captain's Farewell Dinner, then set off on a cruise through the city and be enchanted by the lights sparkling around you. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice:

Perhaps embark on a city tour that offers the Fisherman's Bastion, Heroes' Square and more. Should you be feeling energetic, perhaps hike to Castle Hill or for a more relaxed pace, embark on a culinary tour of the Great Market Hall.

15

Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest

Transfer to the airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Trip Highlights

Explore Namedy Castle, before a lavish banquet

Sample the local fare during a special village experience in Miltenberg

Soak in the spirit of the Habsburg Empire with a rail journey aboard the Majestic Imperator

Visit Vienna's City Palace for a Cocktail Reception and a private concert

Included Experiences

Unique experiences in up to 16 destinations

Expert APT Cruise Director

Complimentary beverages served on board

Transfers, port charges and tipping

Fine Dining

A total of 40 included meals

Butler, room service and champagne on arrival for select suites

Trip Notes

Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change

Disruptions to cruising and itinerary may occur

Prices include port charges, gratuities and sundries

Prices are for cruise only. Flights not included

Trip Inclusions

Trip Highlights

Board the Majestic Imperator for a private rail journey across Austria's countryside. Stop in Salzburg for a tour.

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern will open the doors of her castle just for you. Enjoy dinner in the Hall of Mirrors.

Attend a private classical concert featuring members of the Mozart's Boys Choir at the City Palace in Vienna.

* Source: APT for river cruises in Europe. Some variances may occur on individual cruises and information is provided as a guide only. Refer to Trip Inclusions section for more details.

Reviews (29)

Trip reviews from past clients of Global Journeys who have travelled on Magnificent Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest with APT.

Connie
Australia

“Amazing experience”

Trip Date: 25/06/2017

Wonderfully exhausting holiday! Don't expect perfection but gee these guys come pretty close! Can't praise the crew and staff enough - always cheerful, attentive and helpful despite the long hours they work. Scenery and historic wonderment is beyond description and would go back and do it again tomorrow just to capture what I missed this time round. Thank you! PS. Shower a tad cramped and not having laundry included was very expensive and disappointing.

Thank you to APT and Global Journeys for making our holiday a trip of a lifetime. Despite only deciding two weeks before departure, all bookings were secured by Global Journeys within days and before we knew it we were flying to Amsterdam!

The quality of the cruise with APT was outstanding and we were all made to feel like royalty. Our cruise director compiled a flawless itinerary and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all happen on time, every time. The Captain and his crew looked after us extremely well and interacted with us all daily. There were no hidden costs and in fact, except for a few souvenirs that we bought, we didn't need to spend a cent extra on the entire trip! Strongly recommend this cruise with APT.

It was well organised holiday, relaxed and stress free. Tour director, Stuart, was fantastic: friendly and very informative. All crews were nice, too. We cannot fault anything for the holiday. Other passengers were nice, getting on well.

Our highlights of this holiday were Salzburg and the Concert in Vienna. These were offered only with APT, I believe. So we'll travel with APT again. And finally, we were very happy that Hannah at Global Journeys who organised our trip without any problems. Thank you!

I never thought I would enjoy a river cruise after having done 3 ocean cruises, but I was wrong. APT gave us a holiday that could not be faulted. Every person from the Captain down to the dishwashers made us feel like old friends. Service was impeccable, food was fabulous, choice of included excursions was good but you did not have to do all if you did not want to. Nothing was a problem for the staff and crew. I believe APT's ships were the best on the rivers. Ours was the last trip for the season and the entertainment APT put on for the last couple of nights was very enjoyable. I cannot speak highly enough of APT. Thank you, job well done. Thanks also to Michelle for organising this for us.

Festive Season Departures: These departures vary slightly from the advertised itinerary, offering special inclusions for Christmas and New Years. An updated itinerary can be found in the APT Brochure, or ask one of our agents for details!

Note: Upgrade prices shown are per person. Upgrade prices can vary depending on the departure date & the month of travel. Your Global Journeys Tour Consultant will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote'.

Note: Upgrade prices shown are per person. Upgrade prices can vary depending on the departure date & the month of travel. Your Global Journeys Tour Consultant will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote'.

Tour Notes
Trip prices are per person, and reflect applicable discounts. Discounts are subject to availability, exclusive to Global Journeys and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change by APT. Full terms & conditions are available here.